Ma Yuan vs Qutayba ibn Muslim

Ma Yuan led a Han army to suppress the Trung Sisters' rebellion in Jiaozhi (modern Vietnam). He defeated the rebel forces, executed the Trung sisters, and reestablished Han control. The campaign extended Han influence into Southeast Asia.

Ma Yuan campaigned against the Wuhuan and Xianbei nomadic confederations in the north. He secured the Han frontier by defeating these groups and establishing defensive measures. His campaigns stabilized the northern border for decades.

Ma Yuan died of illness while leading a campaign against the Wulin tribes in southern China. His last words reportedly expressed regret that he could not complete the mission. His death exemplified his dedication to military service until the end.

After Ma Yuan's death, his political enemies accused him of corruption and failure. Emperor Guangwu posthumously stripped Ma Yuan of his titles and confiscated his property. His family was disgraced until later emperors rehabilitated his reputation.

Caliph al-Walid I appointed Qutayba ibn Muslim as governor of Khurasan, the easternmost province of the Umayyad Caliphate. This position gave him command of the Muslim armies in Central Asia.

Qutayba ibn Muslim captured the city of Bukhara after a prolonged siege. He imposed a treaty on the local rulers and established a Muslim garrison, integrating the city into the Umayyad Caliphate.

Qutayba led the Muslim conquest of Samarkand, a major city in Sogdia. The conquest brought the region under Umayyad control and facilitated the spread of Islam in Central Asia.

Qutayba ibn Muslim was killed by his own troops during a mutiny near Ferghana. The rebellion was sparked by his decision to continue campaigning despite the death of Caliph al-Walid I. His death ended the Muslim advance into Central Asia.